A woman in San Diego’s backcountry was rescued after being missing for nearly two days. The 50-year-old woman was found stranded in a rocky area several miles deep on a trail after her family reported her missing. She had started a hike near the Lake Morena campground in Campo but had not been heard from since Friday morning.
Deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Rural Enforcement Division discovered her personal belongings in the cabin she was staying at near Lake Morena, which she had not checked out of on time. Her vehicle was also found near a trailhead in the area. Search and rescue efforts were immediately initiated with the help of Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit volunteers, the U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit (BORSTAR) team, and a search and rescue dog.
After locating footprints on Saturday night, search and rescue teams finally heard the woman yell back around 4 a.m. on Sunday. She was found in a steep, rocky area about 10 miles from her vehicle. A helicopter was used to hoist her to safety by 8 a.m. and she was taken to the Lake Morena campground for medical treatment. Despite being exhausted, she was reported to be in good condition and was later reunited with her family.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the San Diego County Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Sheriff’s ASTREA Unit during the search and rescue operation. The collaborative effort of multiple agencies and volunteers led to the successful rescue of the woman who had been stranded in the backcountry for 48 hours.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and informed when venturing into remote areas for outdoor activities. Hikers are advised to share their plans with family or friends, carry essential supplies, and stay on designated trails to ensure their safety. The quick response and coordinated efforts of the search and rescue teams played a crucial role in locating and rescuing the missing hiker, highlighting the dedication and professionalism of these emergency responders.
